A jailed shopkeeper from Sheffield, who imported, stored and sold thousands of illegal cigarettes, has been ordered to repay more than £490,000 he made from his crimes, or spend more time in jail.

Karim Heabah, the owner of Baghdad Mini Market in Page Hall, was jailed for three years in December 2017 for excise fraud offences, following an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

At a confiscation hearing held at Sheffield Crown Court today, Judge Rachael Harrison ruled Heabah, 29, of Jenkin Road, Wincobank had benefited from a criminal lifestyle.

Some of the illegal cigarettes seized from Heabah's shop in Page Hall

She told Heabah he must repay £494,296 within three months, or spend a further four-and-a-half years behind bars and still owe the money.

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Diccon Wood, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Selling illegal cigarettes creates an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses and is theft from the taxpayer. This is money which should be used to fund our vital public services and now Heabah must pay it back.

“The majority of tobacco retailers are law abiding, but we will continue pursue those who smuggle, store and profit from illegal tobacco. Our actions don’t stop once someone is convicted and we will always look to reclaim the stolen money.

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